Australian kids are growing up in one of the most nature-rich countries in the world. And yet many of them are learning in rooms that feel completely disconnected from it. Walk into most Aussie schools or kindergartens and you’ll see plain walls, floors, and not much greenery. It’s not a lack of care. It’s just hard to bring nature in when time, space, and budgets are already stretched.
But here's the problem: children spend more than 90% of their time indoors. And when those indoor spaces lack greenery, it affects more than just the mood. Research shows that it can impact concentration, behaviour, emotional balance and even how well kids learn.
So what’s the solution for busy Australian schools and centres that can’t manage real plants or maintain a natural garden?
Artificial greenery becomes incredibly valuable here!
Things like a fake garden wall, a soft artificial grass wall, or realistic trees and vines can completely change the feel of a space. In this blog, we’ll look at why artificial greenery works wonders in schools, child care centres and kindergartens.
Why Green Environments Are Essential For Young Minds
Exposure to green surroundings has been linked to lower stress levels, better emotional regulation, and stronger attention spans in children.
Let’s look at the numbers. Almost one in seven (13.9%) children aged 4 to 17 in Australia were assessed as having a mental disorder. That’s around 560,000 young minds affected in just 12 months.
Children are sensitive. They pick up on tension, noise, clutter, and even lighting. When you give them a calm and green environment, their little systems start to settle. Cortisol, the stress hormone, drops. Mood improves. Focus increases.
But it goes beyond feelings. Greenery helps with memory retention. It supports language development. It even improves problem-solving. In fact, spaces designed with nature in mind are linked to better academic performance and stronger behaviour patterns in school-aged children.
Green spaces are not just “nice to have”. They’re essential. And for early learners, who absorb everything through their senses, this impact is even stronger. That’s why it makes so much sense to explore options like a Jasmine artificial green wall panel that adds beauty and benefit without the hassle of natural plants.
The Reality Behind Live Plants In Schools, Child Care And Kindergartens
You might think having real plants in schools and other learning environments is a great idea. After all, they provide natural beauty and can help purify the air. However, there are several factors to consider before bringing live plants into these spaces.
Too Much Upkeep: Watering, trimming, cleaning… it all adds up. Teachers and carers already have so much to do and looking after plants often falls to the bottom of the list.
Allergy Risks: Plants can trigger sneezing, itching, and other allergic reactions. For children with asthma or sensitivities, this can become a health issue.
They Don’t Last: Plants wilt. They drop leaves. Some die off completely. Dead plants make a space feel neglected and don’t make a good impression to parents.
They Cost More Over Time: You need soil, pots, pest control, replacements. Even if you start small, the long-term budget takes a hit.
That’s why many schools in Australia are turning to creative alternatives like a Dense Fern Fake Hedge Wall or Artificial Ficus trees. It gives the same soft and natural effect without the hidden pressures that come with real plants.
Why Artificial Greenery Is Smart Design, Not Just 'Fake'
Many people still think of artificial plants as stiff and obviously fake. That couldn’t be further from the truth today.
Modern greenery is soft, touch-friendly, and looks incredibly real. It’s built to suit real spaces and real needs. And when placed well, it becomes part of the learning environment, not just a backdrop.
Here’s why it’s so effective:
Safe for Children: Good quality options are non-toxic, flame-retardant, and allergy-free. No thorns. No bugs. No pollen.
Designed for Tough Use: They’re made to last. Whether it’s sticky fingers or high-traffic areas, materials are easy to wipe down and built for durability.
Tactile and Sensory: Surfaces are soft and natural-looking. Children love to touch and explore, and artificial greenery adds a gentle sensory layer.
Customisable: You can cover a wall, wrap a corner, or create a whole zone. Many centres are now using White Jasmine Artificial Green Wall Panels in reading areas or nap zones to soften the look and sound of the room.
Look for options that are UV-protected and made with eco-safe materials. That’s especially important for outdoor spaces and sunlit indoor areas.
What Changes When You Add Artificial Greenery?
The shift is real. When schools and early learning centres introduce artificial greenery, they often notice immediate results.
Here’s what usually happens:-
Children Become Calmer: Green surroundings give off a peaceful feeling. This helps children regulate their energy and emotions better.
More Focus, More Joy: Students engage more deeply in tasks. Their creativity and imagination tend to grow in nature-themed spaces.
Classrooms Feel More Gentle: Greenery can reduce echoes and visual noise. This makes a room feel less overwhelming, especially for sensory-sensitive children.
Parents Take Notice: A centre that feels warm and nature-inspired often stands out as more premium and more caring. It’s a strong first impression.
You can also add something simple like Mini Artificial Palm Trees’ setup in a reading nook or welcome area can completely shift the mood.
Smart Design Ideas Using Artificial Greenery
The beauty of artificial greenery is that it’s flexible. You don’t need big changes or huge budgets. A few well-placed pieces can work wonders.
Here are some Simple, Scalable Ideas:-
Entrance Wall: Make your first impression count with a Wild Tropics Artificial Vertical Garden that creates a soft, calming vibe as soon as families or students walk in.
Reading Corner Garden: Add low-level faux plants or a small fake hedge wall behind cushions to create a cosy space for books and quiet play.
Nap Room Feature Wall: Install an artificial grass wall or soft greenery panels in rest areas. These reduce stimulation and help with the shift into quiet time.
Outdoor Enhancements: Use Artificial Palm Trees to create shaded zones or green nooks without the long-term gardening needs.
Vertical Solutions: Wall-mounted greenery uses no floor space and adds visual interest without clutter. It’s smart and space saving.
These ideas are easy to install and can evolve as your space grows. Some centres even rotate panels seasonally for variety.
Parting Words
Artificial greenery isn’t a shortcut. It’s a smart, sensitive way to support children’s development in spaces where nature is limited.
It helps children feel settled, engaged, and welcomed. It takes the pressure off staff and creates a lasting first impression for families. Best of all, it keeps things looking fresh without the worry of watering cans or wilting leaves.
Designer Vertical Gardens offers the highest quality artificial plants, trees and walls. Our fake greenery is absolutely realistic and are eco-friendly. With free delivery options Australia-wide, our stunning green walls and trees are sure to make your school presentable. Get in touch now!
Because your energy belongs with the children, not the watering can!